February Bender Part 2: The Stray Dog Bar & Grill

Whenever I go to The Stray Dog Bar and Grill in New Buffalo, Michigan, I instantly feel like I’m on vacation. From the expansive rooftop bar, you have a lovely view of of of the boats parked in the harbor, just a couple of blocks away from the Lake Michigan beach.

Even in the winter, The Stray Dog makes me feel like I’m in a beach town in New England. The white wood paneled walls, twinkling lights, roaring fireplaces and rustic wood ceiling beams create a lovely ambiance to enjoy a beer or cocktail. The Stray Dog also has a solid food menu, consisting of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, burgers, tacos and hot dogs. I really like the Fish Tacos and El Diablo Burger, which has jalepenos, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, and caramelized onions. It’s a great place to go for lunch, dinner or just a drink.

The Stray Dog got its name from the owners’ dog Jack, a stray who was adopted from the Michiana Humane Society. Each year, the restaurant sells t-shirts to raise money for the Jack Fund, a fund for shelter animals. You’ll see drawings of Jack around the restaurant.

The winter, spring, and fall are a great time to check out The Stray Dog. If you go during the beach tourist season in the summer, be prepared to wait.